Chief Lee Bitomske said he hopes the cameras help win back the respect of the public in a year that he said hasn't been good for his department or the town.

A video from a police station surveillance camera in 2009 showed a young man in custody being slammed into a wall and pepper-sprayed. Following an investigation after the video was posted online in January, two officers were fired and two others were disciplined.

Bitomske said other police departments have dashboard cameras, and he believes it's crucial Seabrook has them now.

"As we move into the future and get past what's happened here, we want to try to be as transparent as we can," he said.

BItomske demonstrated the cameras, which will record high-definition video.

"Having video in the cars could cut down on the liability, cut down on the complaints that the officers are doing wrong," he said. "It's also a safety issue, not just for the officer, but for the people we come in contact with, as well."

Cameras will be mounted behind the rear-view mirror and are triggered by the lights or siren, or by the officer. A second camera will point at the back seat and show anyone in custody.

The project was approved unanimously. Once a bid is chosen, the system will be installed in seven cruisers.

"It is very important, for me as a chief, to bring back the trust of the townspeople, the people that travel through this town, and also get respect for the officers on the road," Bitomske said.